Magnetic permeability detector, developing device, image forming apparatus, and oscillation signal frequency calculation method therefor

ABSTRACT

A magnetic permeability detector includes an LC oscillator circuit including a coil and a capacitor; and a resistor connected in series with the coil.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/256,141 filed on Apr. 18, 2014, which is based on and claims thebenefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2013-090443 filed on Apr. 23, 2013, 2013-118324 filedon Jun. 4, 2013, 2013-206791 filed on Oct. 1, 2013 and 2014-072830 filedon Mar. 31, 2014 in the Japan Patent Office. The entire disclosure ofeach of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a magneticpermeability detector, a developer density detector, a developingdevice, and an image forming apparatus, such as, a copier, a printer, afacsimile machine, a plotter, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP) havingat least two of coping, printing, facsimile transmission, plotting, andscanning capabilities; and further relates to a method of calculating afrequency of an oscillation signal.

2. Description of the Background Art

There are sensors that employ an LC oscillator circuit including a coilprovided on a plane and detect magnetic permeability of space opposed tothe plane on which the coil is provided (hereinafter “coil formationface”) according to the frequency of signals output from the LCoscillator circuit. For example, in JP-H11-223620-A, such a sensor isused to detect the density of developer including magnetic substancesinside a container in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.The principle of such magnetic permeability sensors is based on that theinductance of coil changes depending on the magnetic permeability of amagnetic material to be detected. The inductance of coil changes due tochanges in physical properties, such as magnetic permeability andconductivity, of the magnetic substance and changes in the distance tothe magnetic material. The magnetic permeability in a range in which themagnetic flux of the magnetic permeability sensor acts can be detectedby reading the oscillation frequency of the LC oscillator circuitdependent on inductance changes. In JP-H11-223620-A, further aresistance component of the circuit is considered in addition torespective elements of the circuit for designing with a higher degree ofaccuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, one embodiment of the present inventionprovides a magnetic permeability detector that includes an LC oscillatorcircuit including a coil and a capacitor; and a resistor connected inseries with the coil.

In another embodiment, a developing device includes a developercontainer to contain developer; and a developer density detectorincluding a magnetic permeability detector to detect a density ofdeveloper in the developer container. The magnetic permeability detectorincludes an LC oscillator circuit including a coil and a capacitor; aresistor connected in series with the coil; an output terminal to outputa signal having a frequency corresponding to a magnetic permeability ina range of action of a magnetic flux generated by a coil. The magneticpermeability detector is attached to the developing device so that themagnetic flux acts on the developer container.

Yet in another embodiment, an image forming apparatus include an imagebearer, the developing device described above, and a controllerincluding an oscillation circuit to generate a reference clock.

Yet another embodiment provides a method of calculating a frequency ofan oscillation signal. The method includes a step of generating aninterrupt signal at frequency calculation intervals; a step of acquiringa count value of the oscillation signal and a count value of a referenceclock in response to the interrupt signal; a step of recognizing thefrequency calculation interval based on the count value of the referenceclock; and a step of calculating the frequency of the oscillation signalduring the recognized frequency calculation interval using the countvalue of the oscillation signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram of a controller of anapparatus including a magnetic permeability sensor according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an interface to process outputsignals from the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating circuitry of the magneticpermeability sensor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating count values in the magnetic permeabilitysensor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating another example of count values in themagnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics ofoscillation frequency of a crystal-oscillator circuit according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of inductanceof coil according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of acapacitor according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of aresistance according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic views of variations the coil and aresistor according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are diagrams for understanding of amagnetic flux generated in a resistance pattern according to the firstembodiment;

FIGS. 12A through 12D are graphs illustrating differences in temperaturecharacteristics of oscillation frequency when multiple resistance valuesare used in the magnetic permeability sensor according to the firstembodiment;

FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate shapes of the resistance patternincluded in the magnetic permeability sensor according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a mechanical structure of an image forming apparatusaccording to a second embodiment, which includes a developing deviceprovided with the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the developing deviceaccording to the second embodiment, provided with the magneticpermeability sensor shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of the magneticpermeability sensor according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 17A through 17F illustrate six sides of the magnetic permeabilitysensor shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating location of the magneticpermeability sensor provided to the developing device according to thesecond embodiment;

FIGS. 19A through 19D illustrate shapes of the resistance patternaccording to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an interior of the developingdevice;

FIG. 21 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor according to athird embodiment from a detection face thereof;

FIG. 22 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 21,as viewed in a direction horizontal to the detection face andperpendicular to the direction in which the coil pattern and theresistance pattern are connected to each other;

FIG. 23 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor according to thethird embodiment, being attached to the developing device, as viewedfrom the detection face thereof;

FIG. 24 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor according to thethird embodiment, being attached to the developing device and viewed inthe direction horizontal to the detection face and perpendicular to thedirection in which the resistance pattern is connected to the coilpattern;

FIG. 25 illustrates a magnetic permeability sensor according to avariation, as viewed from a detection face thereof;

FIG. 26 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 25,as viewed in the direction horizontal to the detection face andperpendicular to the direction in which the resistance pattern isconnected to the pattern coil;

FIG. 27 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 25,as viewed from the detection face thereof in a state in which themagnetic permeability sensor is attached to the developing device;

FIG. 28 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 25,being attached to the developing device and viewed in the directionhorizontal to the detection face and perpendicular to the direction inwhich the resistance pattern is connected to the coil pattern;

FIG. 29 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor according toanother variation as viewed from a detection face thereof;

FIG. 30 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 29,as viewed in a direction horizontal to the detection face andperpendicular to the direction in which the resistance pattern isconnected to the coil pattern;

FIG. 31 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 29,being attached to the developing device, as viewed from the detectionface thereof;

FIG. 32 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor shown in FIG. 29,being attached to the developing device and viewed in the directionhorizontal to the detection face and perpendicular to the direction inwhich the resistance pattern is connected to the coil pattern;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating a developing device accordingto an embodiment; and

FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a developing device as avariation of that shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a functional block diagram illustrating an input-outputcontrol ASIC in a controller according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a timing chart illustrating relative timings of softwareprocessing sequence by a CPU, count of the counter, the interruptsignal, and the read signal;

FIG. 37 is a chart for understanding of a principle of determination ofthe oscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor accordingto the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of calculation of a frequency of signals outputfrom the magnetic permeability sensor according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustrating circuitry that includes a latchcircuit according to a seventh embodiment; and

FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating circuitry according to theseventh embodiment that includes the latch circuit and a free-runningcounter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings,specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, thedisclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited tothe specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood thateach specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate ina similar manner and achieve a similar result.

Typically, the frequency of signals output from LC oscillator circuitsis responsive to environmental temperature or ambient temperature sinceproperties of respective elements constituting the circuit change inresponse to changes in temperature. It is generally known that, in LCoscillator circuits, the frequency fluctuates in response to temperaturechanges like a quadric having a negative coefficient on a graph in whichthe abscissa represents the temperature and the ordinate represents thefrequency.

To enhance the detection accuracy of magnetic permeability, it ispreferable that the LC oscillator circuit depends on only the magneticpermeability inside the range in which the magnetic flux of the magneticpermeability sensor acts (a predetermined space opposed to the coilformation face). Accordingly, it is preferred to reduce fluctuations infrequency dependent on temperature, and it is desirable to adjusttemperature characteristics of the LC oscillator circuit.

Although the temperature characteristics of the oscillation frequency bythe LC oscillator circuit is determined by temperature dependentproperties of the respective elements included in the circuit asdescribed above, LC oscillator circuits typically include a coil and acapacitor, which affect the frequency to be output. Thus, freelyadjusting them is difficult. Similarly, freely adjusting a circuitresistance, which can affect the temperature characteristics of thefrequency, is difficult since the circuit resistance is determined bythe entire circuit structure.

In view of the foregoing, an aim of the embodiment described below is toprovide a magnetic permeability sensor capable of adjusting temperaturecharacteristics of an LC oscillator circuit.

First Embodiment

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views thereof,and particularly to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present inventionis described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a controller 1 of an apparatusincluding a magnetic permeability sensor 100 according to the presentembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 1 according to the present embodimenthas a configuration similar to that of typical data processing devicessuch as computers and servers. That is, the controller 1 includes acentral processing unit (CPU) 10, a read only memory (ROM) 20, a randomaccess memory (RAM) 30, a direct memory access controller (DMAC) 40, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 50, an input-outputcontrol ASIC 60, and a crystal-oscillator circuit 70.

The CPU 10 is a computation unit and controls operation of thecontroller 1 entirely. The ROM 20 is a nonvolatile memory mediumdedicated to reading out and stores programs such as firmware. The RAM30 is a volatile memory medium capable of high-speed data reading andwriting. The RAM 30 is used as workspace when the CPU 10 processes data.The DMAC 40 controls direct access to the RAM 30 without intervention ofthe CPU 10.

The ASIC 50 functions as a connection interface between a system bus towhich the CPU 10 and the RAM 30 are connected and another device. Theinput-output control ASIC 60 acquires detection signals output from themagnetic permeability sensor 100 and converts the signals into dataprocessable inside the controller 1. That is, the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 is used as a magnetic permeability detector. Thecrystal-oscillator circuit 70 generates a reference clock to operaterespective elements inside the controller 1.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the input-outputcontrol ASIC 60 in the controller 1 according to the present embodiment.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the input-output control ASIC 60includes a counter 61, a read signal acquisition unit 62, and a countoutput unit 63. The magnetic permeability sensor 100 according to thepresent embodiment is an oscillator circuit that outputs rectangularwaves at the frequency corresponding to the magnetic permeability in aspace to be detected. The counter 61 increments the value according tothe rectangular wave output from the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

The read signal acquisition unit 62 acquires, via the ASIC 50, a readsignal from the CPU 10. The read signal is a command to acquire thecount value of the counter 61. Acquiring the read signal from the CPU10, the read signal acquisition unit 62 inputs, to the count output unit63, a signal instructing output of the count value. According to thesignal input by the read signal acquisition unit 62, the count outputunit 63 outputs the count value of the counter 61.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 includes a timer 11. The timer 11outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 10 each time the count ofreference clock input from the crystal-oscillator circuit 70 reaches apredetermined count. The CPU 10 outputs the above-described read signalin response to the interrupt signal input from the timer 11.

It is to be noted that the CPU 10 has an access to the input-outputcontrol ASIC 60, for example, via a register. Accordingly, theabove-described read signal is executed by writing, with the CPU 10, avalue in a predetermined register included in the input-output controlASIC 60. Additionally, output of the count value from the count outputunit 63 is executed by storing the count value in a predeterminedregister included in the input-output control ASIC 60 and acquiring thecount value with the CPU 10.

Next, descriptions are given below of internal configuration of themagnetic permeability sensor 100 according to the present embodimentwith reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 according tothe present embodiment is an oscillator circuit based on a Colpitts-typeLC oscillator circuit 301 and includes a planar coil pattern 101,serving as a planar coil, first and second capacitors 103 and 104serving as capacitors, a feedback resistor 105, an unbuffered integratedcircuits (ICs) 106 and 107, and an output terminal 108. The magneticpermeability sensor 100 is further provided with an adjusting resistor102, which is described later.

The coil pattern 101 is a planar coil constructed of conducting wire(signal wire) printed on a first face of a board 300 (shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B) constructing the magnetic permeability sensor 100. As shown inFIG. 3, the coil pattern 101 has an inductance L attained by the coil.In the coil pattern 101, the inductance L changes depending on themagnetic permeability of a space opposed to the first face on which thecoil is provided (i.e., a coil formation face). That is, the inductanceL depends on the magnetic permeability inside a range in which themagnetic flux of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 acts (range ofaction of the magnetic flux). As a result, the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 outputs signals at the frequency corresponding to themagnetic permeability of the space opposed to the first face(hereinafter also “detection face”).

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrating magnetic permeability sensors 1000 and2000, respectively.

Although the planer coil pattern is used in the description above, thecoil of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 is not limited thereto. Forexample, a coil 1101 constructed of coiled wire shown in FIG. 1 OA and alaminated chip coil 2101 shown in FIG. 10B can be used instead. When thecoil 1101 shown in FIG. 1 OA is used, it is preferable to provide acover 1200 to cover the face of the magnetic permeability sensor 1000attached to the object detected so that the magnetic permeability sensor1000 is not attached to the object in a tilted posture due to thedifference in thickness between the coil 1101 and other portions thanthe coil 1101. When the laminated chip coil 2101 is used, used of acover 2200 is preferable as well.

It is to be noted that reference numerals 1102 shown in FIG. 1 OArepresents a resistor element, and 2102 shown in FIG. 10B represents anadjusting resistor.

The first and second capacitors 103 and 104 are capacitors thatconstitute the Colpitts-type LC oscillator circuit 301 together with thecoil pattern 101. Accordingly, the first and second capacitors 103 and104 are connected serially to each other and in parallel to the coilpattern 101. A resonance current loop is constructed by connecting thecoil pattern 101 and the first and second capacitors 103 and 104 into aloop.

The feedback resistor 105 is inserted to stabilize a bias voltage. Witha function of the unbuffered ICs 106 and 107, fluctuations in potentialof a part of the resonance current loop are output from the outputterminal 108 as a rectangular wave corresponding to the resonancefrequency. With this configuration, the magnetic permeability sensor 100oscillates at the frequency corresponding to the inductance L, acapacitance C of the first and second capacitors 103 and 104, and acircuit resistance R_(L) described later. It is to be noted that it ispreferred that elements including the first and second capacitors 103and 104, the feedback resistor 105, the unbuffered ICs 106 and 107, andthe output terminal 108 be provided to the opposite face of the board300 from the face on which the coil pattern 101 is provided.Additionally, those elements are preferably surface-mounted (SMT) toavoid unnecessary projections on the face on which the coil pattern 101is provided. This is because detection errors arise if the coil pattern101 that is a detecting portion is not positioned accurately relative tothe detected object.

The inductance L changes depending on the presence of the magneticmaterial adjacent to the coil pattern 101 (planar coil) and also thedensity thereof. Accordingly, the magnetic permeability in the spaceadjacent to the coil pattern 101 can be detected with the oscillationfrequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100. Further, to designthe oscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 with ahigher degree of accuracy, also considered is the circuit resistanceR_(L) caused by the conducting wire (signal wire) constituting thecircuit as shown in FIG. 3. The frequency in accordance with parametersof the respective components constituting the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 is described later.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating count by the function of the input-outputcontrol ASIC 60 of the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

If there are no changes in the density of the magnetic material adjacentto the magnetic permeability sensor 100, the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 oscillates at a constant frequency basically. Consequently,the count value of the counter 61 increases constantly with elapse oftime as shown in FIG. 4.

Additionally, receiving the interrupt signal from the timer 11, the CPU10 outputs the read signal to the input-output control ASIC 60 andacquires the count value of the counter 61 at that time. For example, inFIG. 4, at time points t₁, t₂, t₃, t₄, and t₅, count values aaaah,bbbbh, cccch, ddddh, and AAAAh are acquired respectively.

Acquiring the count values at the respective time points, the CPU 10calculates the frequency in periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ shown in FIG. 4,respectively. The timer 11 in the present embodiment outputs theinterrupt signal when counting the reference clock for an amountequivalent of 2 milliseconds (ms). Accordingly, the CPU 10 divides thecount values of the counter 61 in the respective periods with 2 (ms),thereby calculating an oscillation frequency f (Hz) of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 in the periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ respectively.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper limit of the count of thecounter 61 is FFFFh in the present embodiment. Accordingly, incalculating the oscillation frequency f (Hz) in the period T₄, the CPU10 divides with 2 (ms) the sum of the AAAAh and a value obtained bydeducting ddddh from FFFFh.

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating another example of count by theinput-output control ASIC 60 of the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

In the case of FIG. 5, in the input-output control ASIC 60, the counter61 resets the count value after the count output unit 63 reads out thecount value. For the resetting, the count output unit 63 may input areset signal to the counter 61 after reading out the count value.Alternatively, the counter 61 may include a capability to resetting thecount value each time the count value is read out.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the count values acquired at therespective time points are the values counted in the periods T₁, T₂, T₃,and T₄, respectively. Accordingly, the CPU 10 divides with 2 (ms) thecount value acquired at each timing, thereby calculating the oscillationfrequency f (Hz).

Thus, the controller 1 according to the present embodiment acquires thefrequency of signals oscillated by the magnetic permeability sensor 100and can determine, based on the result of acquisition, a phenomenoncorresponding to the oscillation frequency of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100. Then, in the magnetic permeability sensor 100, theinductance L changes in response to the density of the magnetic materialpresent in the space opposed to the coil pattern 101, and the frequencyof signals output from the output terminal 108 changes. Consequently,the controller 1 can detect the density of magnetic material in thespace opposed to the coil pattern 101 on the detection face.

The magnetic permeability sensor 100 oscillates at the frequencycorresponding to the density of magnetic material in the above-describedpredetermined space. By contrast, the crystal-oscillator circuit 70oscillates at a predetermined frequency. Further, the magneticpermeability sensor 100 and the crystal-oscillator circuit 70 both aredependent on temperature, that is, the oscillation frequency thereoffluctuates in accordance with ambient temperature.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of thecrystal-oscillator circuit 70. As shown in FIG. 6, thecrystal-oscillator circuit 70 has temperature characteristics such thatthe frequency thereof draws a parabola with the peak thereof at acertain temperature.

In the controller 1, it is preferred to reduce relative changes of theoscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 and thatof the crystal-oscillator circuit 70 caused by temperature changes toaccurately detect the density of magnetic material in the predeterminedspace based on the frequency of signals generated by oscillation of themagnetic permeability sensor 100. Additionally, as described above, thecontroller 1 calculates the oscillation frequency by acquiring, at each2 ms, the count value counted by the timer 11 and dividing the countvalue with 2.

Herein, the timer 11 counts 2 ms according to the reference clock inputfrom the crystal-oscillator circuit 70. Accordingly, if the oscillationfrequency fluctuates due to the temperature characteristics shown inFIG. 6, the duration of counting 2 ms fluctuates as long as the countvalues for 2 ms are identical. This causes errors in oscillationfrequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 calculated by the CPU10.

If the temperature characteristics of the magnetic permeability sensor100 are similar to that of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70 shown inFIG. 6, the above-described errors in calculation of the oscillationfrequency can be canceled. That is, even if the oscillation frequency ofthe crystal-oscillator circuit 70 fluctuates due to temperature changes,fluctuations in the values counted by the counter 61 in the countingduration of 2 ms can be smaller as long as the oscillation frequency ofthe magnetic permeability sensor 100 displays similar fluctuations.Accordingly, errors can be smaller in the subsequent calculation of theoscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

Thus, the density of magnetic material in the predetermined space can bedetected with a higher degree of accuracy based to the frequency ofsignals oscillated by the magnetic permeability sensor 100. Accordingly,it is preferred that the temperature characteristics of the oscillationfrequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 be adjustable toresemble the temperature characteristics of the oscillation frequency ofthe crystal-oscillator circuit 70.

Descriptions are given below of distinctive features of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 according to the present embodiment.

In the magnetic permeability sensor 100, upon application of powersupply voltage, electrical current (hereinafter simply “current”) flowsthrough the coil pattern 101 and causes a magnetic flux in apredetermined direction. Then, the magnetic permeability sensor 100outputs, from the output terminal 108, a signal having a frequencycorresponding to the magnetic permeability in the range of action of themagnetic flux.

Initially, an oscillation frequency f₀ of the LC oscillator circuit 301is described below. When the circuit resistance R_(L) caused by theconducting wire and the like constructing the circuit is considered, theoscillation frequency f₀ of the LC oscillator circuit 301 can beexpressed as follows.

$\begin{matrix}{f_{0} = {\frac{1}{2\pi \sqrt{LC}}\sqrt{1 - {R_{L}^{2}\frac{C}{L}}}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

Accordingly, the oscillation frequency of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 is expressed with a function of the inductance L attained bythe coil pattern 101, the capacitance C of the first and secondcapacitors 103 and 104 (i.e., capacitor), and the circuit resistanceR_(L). Therefore, in adjusting the temperature characteristics of theoscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100, theparameters “L”, “C”, and “R_(L)” included in formula 1 are considered.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the temperature characteristics of theinductance L of the coil pattern 101. Referring to FIG. 7, as the board300 (printed circuit board) expands in response to temperature rise, thecoil size increases, and accordingly the inductance L of the coilpattern 101 increases.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating temperature characteristics of thecapacitance C of the first and second capacitors 103 and 104. As shownin FIG. 8, the capacitance C of the first and second capacitors 103 and104 decreases in response to temperature rise. FIG. 9 is a graphillustrating temperature characteristics of the circuit resistanceR_(L). As shown in FIG. 9, the circuit resistance R_(L) increases inresponse to temperature rise.

The following advantages can be attained by adjusting the respectiveparameters while considering the temperature characteristics of therespective elements of the magnetic permeability sensor 100. That is,such adjustment can reduce, in the magnetic permeability sensor 100,fluctuations in the oscillation frequency caused by temperaturefluctuations, make the temperature characteristics thereof similar tothe temperature characteristics of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70described with reference to FIG. 6, or attain both.

The inventors of the present application, however, recognize thatadjusting the parameters “L”, “C”, and “R_(L)” included in formula 1independently is difficult since those parameters are correlated to eachother on the premise that the magnetic permeability detecting capabilityis established. Specifically, the circuit resistance R_(L) is affectedby the length of the conducting wire that changes in accordance with thenumber of coil winding of the coil pattern 101, the inductance L of thecoil pattern 101 is determined by the number of coil winding, and thenumber of coil winding affects the sensing capability of the magneticpermeability sensor 100.

In view of the foregoing, in the present embodiment, the magneticpermeability sensor 100 is further provided with the adjusting resistor102 serving as a resistor (i.e., resistance adjusting portion) that doesnot affect the inductance L of the coil pattern 101, and the circuitresistance R_(L) is adjustable by a resistance value R_(P) of theadjusting resistor 102. With the adjusting resistor 102, the circuitresistance R_(L) can be adjusted independently not to affect theinductance L, and thus the temperature characteristics can be adjustedwithout affecting the sensing capability of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100.

The adjusting resistor 102 serving as the resistor according to thepresent embodiment is provided in series with the coil pattern 101 andparallel to the first and second capacitors 103 and 104 so that theadjusting resistor 102, together with the coil pattern 101 and the firstand second capacitors 103 and 104, constitute the resonance current loopin the Colpitts-type LC oscillator circuit 301 of the magneticpermeability sensor 100.

It is to be noted that, although the adjusting resistor 102 is a planarresistance pattern in the present embodiment, alternatively, anindependent resistor element 1102, which is smaller in variations inindividual temperature characteristics, may be used instead as shown inFIG. 10A.

The adjusting resistor 102 is shaped in planar resistance pattern andconstructed of conducting wire printed on the board 300, which issimilar to the coil pattern 101. Although the resistance pattern (theadjusting resistor 102) can have various shapes, such as linear shapesand curved line shapes, a considerable length is required for thecapability of resistor, thus making the sensor bulkier. In practice, aconducting wire piece having a length required for the capability ofresistor is disposed inside a limited area of the board 300 except therange where the coil pattern 101 is present.

In view of the foregoing, in the present embodiment, the adjustingresistor 102 is constructed of conducting wire bent multiple times fromone side to the opposite side, and vice versa, to reciprocate in thepredetermined direction on the board 300. For example, the adjustingresistor 102 can be formed with straight lines and right angles as shownin FIG. 11A, sine curves as shown in FIG. 19A, or straight lines andacute angles as shown in FIG. 19B. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 19Cand 19D, peaks and valleys in the shapes shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B maybe inclined relative to the side of the board 300. In the descriptionsbelow, the term “serpentine” means the above-described shape (may becalled “zigzag”) in which the straight or curved lines are bent andfolded back multiple times to reciprocate in the predetermineddirection.

For example, the planar coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102are formed in the following manner.

Initially, plate front and back sides of a glass epoxy board(substrate), such as Flame retardant-4 (FR-4) and Composite epoxymaterial-3 (CEM-3), with copper foil in a predetermined thickness. Coatthe plated board with dry film that hardens with light, thus forming twolayers different in material on the front and back sides of the glassepoxy board. Subsequently, put a mask film with a circuit pattern laidthereon on the coated board, from above the dry film, in close contactwith each other, and enhance the contact therebetween by vacuum suction,thereby fixing the mask film thereto. Expose the board to apredetermined amount of light having a predetermined wavelength for apredetermined duration. Then, the dry film does not harden in portionscovered with the mask film and light is blocked. By contrast, the dryfilm hardens in portions exposed to light. In this state, subject theboard in an etching liquid. Then, the masked portion, that is, theportion where the dry film does not harden, dissolves in the etchingliquid. Simultaneously, the copper foil under it dissolves and is lostas well. In the exposed portion, which is not masked, the dry film doesnot dissolve and remains owing to the hardening, and the copper foilunder it remains as well. Subsequently, remove the dry film. Then, onlya minute pattern of copper foil with a width of about 100 μm remains onthe board. As required, apply resist coat liquid entirely in a constantthickness and let the coat harden with heat to prevent pattern loss byoxidization or damage to the board. Thus, the coil pattern 101 and theadjusting resistor 102 can be printed on the board 300.

Incidentally, in a case where the planar coil pattern 101 is printed onthe back side of the board 300 whereas the adjusting resistor 102 isprinted on the front side of the board 300, in production of the printedcircuit board, the front and back sides of the board 300 is exposed todifferent types of etching liquid via the board 300. That is, theconcentration of the etching liquid for the front side and that for theback side are different from a partial standpoint although the board 300is etched in a large vessel from a macro standpoint. Consequently,differences are caused in the etching conditions. Therefore, there isthe possibility that the remaining dry film slightly differs in width(width of copper foil pattern) between the front side and the back side,and the temperature characteristics of the oscillation frequency of themagnetic permeability sensor 100 deviate from the target.

To avoid such factors to cause manufacturing variations, in the magneticpermeability sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, the coilpattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 are printed on an identicalboard face of the printed circuit board. It is to be noted that, asdescribed above, the electronic elements such as the first and secondcapacitors 103 and 104 are preferably provided to the opposite face ofthe board 300 from the face on which the coil pattern 101 and theadjusting resistor 102 are printed so that the location of the coilpattern 101 can be proper relative to the detected object.

Additionally, the oscillation frequency f of the LC oscillator circuit301 can be expressed by formula 2 below, in which the resistance valueR_(P) of the adjusting resistor 102 is considered.

$\begin{matrix}{f = {\frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{1}{LC} - ( \frac{R_{L} + R_{P}}{2L} )^{2}}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

Although it is difficult to adjust the parameters “R_(L)”, “L”, and “C”as described above, the resistance value R_(P) can be adjustedindependently. As described above with reference to FIG. 9, generallythe resistance changes proportionally to temperature change, andaccordingly the resistance value R_(P) of the adjusting resistor 102causes the oscillation frequency f to decrease according to temperaturerise.

Next, descriptions are given below of a configuration to adjust theresistance value R_(P) by the adjusting resistor 102 that is a planerresistor without affecting the inductance L of the coil pattern 101 withreference to FIGS. 11A through 11D.

FIG. 11A illustrates a shape of the adjusting resistor 102, and FIG. 11Bis a cross-sectional view along line A-A shown in FIG. 11A.

As shown in FIG. 11B, as a current flows through the adjusting resistor102, magnetic fluxes are generated around the conducting wire asindicated by broken lines in the drawing according to the right handrule regarding ampere. Since the magnetic flux increases in strengthbetween the adjacent patterns (adjacent wire segments), between theadjacent patterns, a magnetic flux is generated in a directionperpendicular to the face on which the serpentine pattern is provided,as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 11C.

However, as shown in FIG. 11C, the direction of magnetic flux generatedbetween an initial pair of adjacent wire segments is the opposite to thedirection of magnetic flux generated between a subsequent pair ofadjacent wire segments, and the direction alternate sequentially.Accordingly, the magnetic fluxes in the opposite directions cancel eachother. Therefore, in the entire serpentine adjusting resistor 102, themagnetic flux perpendicular to the face on which the resistance patternis provided is canceled.

The direction perpendicular to the face on which the serpentineadjusting resistor 102 is provided is identical to the direction inwhich the coil pattern 101 generates the magnetic flux. Thus,practically, the serpentine adjusting resistor 102 does not generatemagnetic fluxes in the direction in which the magnetic flux of the coilpattern 101 is generated. Therefore, it can be deemed that theserpentine adjusting resistor 102 attains the resistance value R_(P)that is not affected by the ambient magnetic permeability and does nothave the capability to sense the magnetic permeability. In other words,this is a resistance value that does not affect the inductance L of thecoil pattern 101.

It is to be noted that, when the serpentine shape of the adjustingresistor 102 is symmetrical relative to a point so that the number offolding back from one side is identical to the number of folding backfrom the other side, the magnetic fluxes in the opposite directions cancoincide with each other. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11D, theadjusting resistor 102 has a serpentine shape symmetric with respect toa center point CP of a line connecting together a first end 102E1 and asecond end 102E2 connected to the LC oscillator circuit 301. Theadjusting resistor 102 can be serpentine in various manner as shown inFIGS. 16 and 19A through 19D. The shape shown in FIG. 16, in which theadjacent segments of conducting wire are parallel to each other, isadvantageous in canceling the magnetic fluxes.

It is to be noted that, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 accordingto the present embodiment further includes a test wiring pattern 102′printed on the second face of the printed circuit board opposite thefirst face (i.e., detection face) on which the adjusting resistor 102 isprinted. The test wiring pattern 102′ is identical or similar in shapewith the adjusting resistor 102. The resistance value R_(P) of theadjusting resistor 102 is determined by measuring the resistance valueof the test wiring pattern 102′. This is because measuring directly theresistance value of the adjusting resistor 102 may result in damage tothe adjusting resistor 102 constituted of minute printed wiring, thecoil pattern 101 in the same face of the board 300 as the adjustingresistor 102, or both.

Here, descriptions are given below of measurement of changes in theoscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 inresponse to temperature change while the resistance value R_(P) of theadjusting resistor 102 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 was varied.FIGS. 12A through 12D illustrates the results. It is to be noted that,the resistance values in FIGS. 12A through 12D are in relation ofR_(P1)<R_(P2)<R_(P3)<R_(Pa).

As shown in FIGS. 12A though 12D, the oscillation frequency of themagnetic permeability sensor 100 changes like a parabola in response totemperature change. As the resistance value R_(P) increases, the peaktemperature at which the oscillation frequency reaches a peak (extremetemperature) descends. Accordingly, it can be known that the temperaturecharacteristics of the oscillation frequency of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 can be adjusted by changing the resistance valueR_(P) of the adjusting resistor 102.

Adjustment of the resistance value R_(P) of the adjusting resistor 102is described below. FIGS. 13A through 13D illustrate shapes of theadjusting resistor 102 that coincide with the resistance values R_(P1)through R_(P4) shown in FIGS. 12A through 12D.

Referring to FIGS. 13A through 13D, the resistance value R_(P) can beincreased by increasing the number of serpentine folding (the number ofreciprocation from one side to the other side and vice versa) in theserpentine adjusting resistor 102. In other words, the resistance valueR_(P) added to the circuit resistance R_(L) can be increased byincreasing the number of serpentine folding. Then, the peak temperatureat which the oscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor100 reaches its peak (extreme value) can be lowered without affectingthe inductance L of the coil pattern 101.

As described above, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 can be producedwith the temperature characteristics thereof made similar topreliminarily obtained temperature characteristics of the oscillationfrequency of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70. With the magneticpermeability sensor 100 thus configured, even when the oscillationfrequency of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70 fluctuates due totemperature changes, errors or differences in the oscillation frequencyof the magnetic permeability sensor 100 calculated in the controller 1can be reduced since the oscillation frequency of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 fluctuates similarly. Accordingly, thisconfiguration can enhance the accuracy in detecting the magneticpermeability (density of magnetic material) inside the range of actionof the magnetic flux of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 (thepredetermined space opposed to the face on which the coil pattern 101 isprovided).

It is to be noted that, in an experimental measurement in which ambienttemperature (temperature of environment under which the magneticpermeability sensor 100 was used) was set to a range from 10° C. to 50°C., the oscillation frequency of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70fluctuated ±10 to 40 part per million (ppm). When the resistance valueR_(P) of the adjusting resistor 102 was adjusted to cause the peak onthe parabola like temperature characteristics of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 to coincide with the peak on the parabola liketemperature characteristics of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70, theysubstantially coincided with each other at a resistance value of 0.3 Ω.

In the experimental measurement with the temperature range of 10° C. to50° C., the oscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor100 thus produced fluctuated ±37 ppm and generally coincided with thefluctuation range of frequency of the crystal-oscillator circuit 70,which was ±10 to 40 ppm.

As described above, the first embodiment above can provide a magneticpermeability sensor capable of adjusting temperature characteristics ofan LC oscillator circuit 301.

In the magnetic permeability sensor 100 according to the above-describedembodiment, by providing the adjusting resistor 102, serving as aresistance adjusting portion, in series to the coil pattern 101, servingas a detecting portion, in the resonance current loop of theColpitts-type LC oscillator circuit 301, the temperature characteristicsof the oscillation frequency can be adjusted to coincide with thetemperature characteristics of the oscillator circuit that outputs thereference clock.

Second Embodiment

As a second embodiment, descriptions are given below of use of theabove-described magnetic permeability sensor 100 to detect the densityof toner inside a container. Toner is a developer contained in adeveloping device to develop an electrostatic latent image in anelectrophotographic image forming apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating a mechanism to form and outputimages, included in an image forming apparatus 200 according to thepresent embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 14 is a so-calledtandem-type image forming apparatus and includes image forming units206K, 206C, 206M, and 206Y for respective colors, arranged along aconveyance belt 205 that is an endless movable member. Specifically, themultiple image forming units 206Y, 206C, 206M, and 206Y (i.e.,electrophotographic process units, hereinafter collectively “imageforming units 206”) are arranged in that order from the upstream side ina belt conveyance direction in which the conveyance belt 205 transportsthe image. In the image forming apparatus 200, sheets 204 of recordingmedia are fed from a sheet tray 201 by a feed roller 202. On theconveyance belt 205, which is an intermediate transfer belt, anintermediate-transfer image to be transferred onto the sheet 204 isformed.

Additionally, a pair of registration rollers 203 stops the sheet 204 fedfrom the sheet tray 201 and forwards the sheet 204 to asecondary-transfer position where the image is transferred from theconveyance belt 205, timed to coincide with image formation in the imageforming units 206.

The multiple image forming units 206 have a similar configuration exceptthe color of toner images formed thereby. The image forming unit 206Kforms black toner images, the image forming unit 206M forms magentatoner images, the image forming unit 206C forms cyan toner images, andthe image forming unit 206Y forms yellow toner images.

The conveyance belt 205 is an endless belt looped around a drivingroller 207 and a driven roller 208. A driving motor rotates the drivingroller 207. The driving motor, the driving roller 207, and the drivenroller 208 together constituting a driving unit to drive the conveyancebelt 205.

Among the four image forming units 206, the image forming unit 206Y isthe first to transfer toner images onto the conveyance belt 205. Theimage forming unit 206Y includes a photoreceptor drum 209Y andcomponents disposed around the photoreceptor drum 209Y, namely, acharging device 210Y, an optical writing device 211, a developing device212Y, a cleaning unit 213Y, and a discharger. The optical writing device211 directs light to the photoreceptor drum 209Y, 209M, 209C, and 209K(collectively “photoreceptor drums 209”).

To form images, the charging device 210Y charges uniformly the outercircumferential face of the photoreceptor drum 209Y in the dark, afterwhich the optical writing device 211 directs light from a light sourcecorresponding to yellow images to the photoreceptor drum 209Y, thusforming an electrostatic latent image thereon. The developing device212Y develops the electrostatic latent image with yellow toner, thusforming a yellow toner image on the photoreceptor drum 209Y.

The toner image is transferred by a transfer device 215Y onto theconveyance belt 205 at a primary transfer position where thephotoreceptor drum 209Y contacts or is closest to the conveyance belt205. Thus, the yellow toner image is formed on the conveyance belt 205.Subsequently, the cleaning unit 213Y removes toner remaining on theouter circumferential face of the photoreceptor drum 209Y, and thedischarger discharges the outer circumferential face of thephotoreceptor drum 209Y. Then, the photoreceptor drum 209Y is on standbyfor subsequent image formation.

The yellow toner image formed on the conveyance belt 205 by the imageforming unit 206Y is then transported to the image forming unit 206M asthe conveyance belt 205 is rotated by the rollers. The image formingunit 206M performs image forming processes similar to those performed bythe image forming unit 206Y, thereby forming a magenta toner image onthe photoreceptor drums 209M, and the magenta toner image is transferredand superimposed on the yellow toner image.

The yellow and magenta toner images on the conveyance belt 205 arefurther transported to the image forming units 206C and 206K, where cyanand black toner images are formed on the photoreceptor drums 209C and209K, respectively, and the cyan and black toner images are transferredon the superimposed toner image on the conveyance belt 205. Thus, amulticolor intermediate toner image is formed on the conveyance belt205.

The sheets 204 contained in the sheet tray 201 are sent out from the topsequentially. At a position where a conveyance channel leading therefromcontacts or is closest to the conveyance belt 205, the intermediatetoner image is transferred from the conveyance belt 205 onto the sheet204. Thus, an image is formed on the sheet 204. The sheet 204 carryingthe image is transported to a fixing device 216, where the image isfixed on the sheet 204. Then, the sheet 204 is discharged outside theimage forming apparatus 200.

The conveyance belt 205 is provided with a belt cleaner 218. The beltcleaner 218 can include a cleaning blade pressed against the conveyancebelt 205 to scrape off toner from the surface of the conveyance belt 205at a position downstream from the secondary-transfer position andupstream from the photoreceptor drums 209 in the direction in which theconveyance belt 205 rotates (in the direction indicated by arrowsindicating the direction of rotation of the driving roller 207 and thedriven roller 208) as shown in FIG. 14. Thus, the belt cleaner 218serves as a toner remover.

The image forming apparatus 200 having the above-described configurationis controlled by the controller 1 shown in FIG. 1. The magneticpermeability sensor 100 according to the first embodiment is provided tothe developing device 212 among the components shown in FIG. 14.

Next, descriptions are given below of the developing device 212according to the present embodiment with reference to FIGS. 15 and 20.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view that illustrates an exterior of thedeveloping device 212. It is to be noted that, in FIG. 15, thedeveloping device 212 is placed upside down from the posture mounted inthe image forming apparatus 200, that is, from the posture of thedeveloping device 212 being used. FIG. 20 is a perspective viewillustrating an interior of the developing device 212 according to thepresent embodiment. It is to be noted that the developing device 212shown in FIG. 20 is upside down from that in FIG. 15. Accordingly, FIG.20 illustrates the posture of the developing device 212 in the imageforming apparatus 200, that is, the developing device 212 being used.

Additionally, the longitudinal direction of the developing device 212shown in FIGS. 15 and 20 is perpendicular to the surface of the paper onwhich FIG. 14 is drawn. That is, the longitudinal direction of thedeveloping device 212 in FIGS. 15 and 20 parallels the surface of theconveyance belt 205 and perpendicular to the belt conveyance direction.As shown in FIGS. 15 and 20, inside the developing device 212, conveyingscrews 212 b and 212 c are provided to transport developer containedtherein. As the conveying screws 212 b and 212 c rotate in the oppositedirections, developer is distributed in the entire developing device 212in the longitudinal direction thereof. In other words, the entireinterior of the developing device 212 is used as the developercontainer.

As shown in FIG. 20, at the longitudinal end of the developing device212, developer transported therein is forwarded from a conveyancechannel in which the conveying screw 212 b transports developer to aconveyance channel in which developer is transported by the conveyingscrew 212 c. Accordingly, developer is densest in end portions in thelongitudinal direction of the developing device 212 that serve asdeveloper transit portions, through which developer moves from oneconveyance channel to the other conveyance channel. The magneticpermeability sensor 100 according to the present embodiment is attachedto the sensor mounting portion 212 a shown in FIG. 15 to detect thedensity of developer (density of toner included in developer) in thedeveloper transit portion. Thus, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 isused as a developer density detector.

The magnetic permeability sensor 100 is attached to the sensor mountingportion 212 a opposed to the developer transit portion because theamount by which magnetic permeability changes increases as developerbecomes denser. Therefore, disposing the magnetic permeability sensor100 at the position opposed to the developer transit portion, wheredeveloper is densest, can make detection of magnetic permeability insidethe developing device 212 more preferable.

It is to be noted that, although the amount of changes in the magneticpermeability differs, magnetic permeability arises in any portion wheredeveloper is present. Therefore, disposing the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 at the sensor mounting portion 212 a is not a requisite forthe detection. In the magnetic permeability sensor 100, upon applicationof power supply voltage, electrical current (hereinafter simply“current”) flows through the coil pattern 101. The current causes amagnetic flux in a predetermined direction, and the magneticpermeability sensor 100 outputs from the output terminal 108 a signal ata frequency corresponding to the magnetic permeability in the range ofaction of the magnetic flux. Accordingly, the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 can detect the magnetic permeability as long as the magneticpermeability sensor 100 is disposed such that the magnetic flux of thecoil pattern 101 can acts in the space where developer is contained.

Next, descriptions are given below of external configuration of themagnetic permeability sensor 100 according to the present embodiment.FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 16,the detection face, that is, the first face on which the coil pattern101 and the planar adjusting resistor 102 are provided, is faced up. Thedetection face is to oppose to the space subjected to magneticpermeability detection.

As shown in FIG. 16, the adjusting resistor 102, which is connectedserially to the coil pattern 101, is printed on the detection face onwhich the coil pattern 101 is printed. As described above with referenceto FIG. 3, the coil pattern 101 is constructed of conducting wire(signal line) printed in a spiral shape on the detection face. Theadjusting resistor 102 is constructed of conducting wire (signal line)printed in a serpentine shape on the detection face. The coil andresistor patterns realize the above-described functions of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 and, simultaneously, decorates the appearance asshown in FIG. 16.

The coil pattern 101 serves as the detecting portion of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 to detect magnetic permeability. The magneticpermeability sensor 100 is attached to the developing device 212 withthe detecting portion opposed to the above-described developer transitportion. In other words, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 isattached to the developing device 212 so that the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 generates a magnetic flux toward the developer transitportion and the developer transit portion at least partly occupies therange of action of the magnetic flux.

FIGS. 17A through 17F constitute a set of six side-views of the magneticpermeability sensor 100. As shown in FIGS. 17B, 17C, and 17D, the firstand second capacitors 103 and 104, the feedback resistor 105, theunbuffered ICs 106 and 107, and the output terminal 108 are disposed onthe second face of the board 300 constituting the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100, opposite the first face (detection face) on which the coilpattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 are disposed.

With this arrangement, surface unevenness of the first face attached tothe developing device 212 can be substantially eliminated. Accordingly,the magnetic permeability sensor 100 can be disposed so that thedetection face provided with the coil pattern 101 having sensingcapabilities can oppose to the developer transit portion, which is themagnetic permeability detection target, with the detection face incontact with the developing device 212.

Additionally, on the second face (back face) of the magneticpermeability sensor 100, neither electronic components nor conductingwire is disposed in an area that overlaps with the area occupied by thecoil pattern 101. This arrangement can inhibit another electroniccomponent or conducting wire from affecting the magnetic permeabilitydetection by the coil pattern 101, thus enhancing the accuracy ofmagnetic permeability detection.

Next, descriptions are given below of attachment of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 to the developing device 212 with reference toFIG. 18.

FIG. 18 illustrates a position of the magnetic permeability sensor 100provided to the developing device 212. In FIG. 18, a cross section asviewed from a side of the developing device 212 is illustrated, and thedeveloping device 212 is upside down from the posture shown in theperspective view in FIG. 15. That is, the upper and lower sides in FIG.18 correspond to those in FIG. 20. Accordingly, FIG. 18 illustrates theposture of the developing device 212 in the image forming apparatus 200,that is, the developing device 212 being used.

Referring to FIG. 18, the conveying screws 212 b and 212 c are disposedinside a casing 220 of the developing device 212 and transport developerin the longitudinal direction of the developing device 212.

The sensor mounting portion 212 a is planar to facilitate attachment ofthe magnetic permeability sensor 100, which is based on a planar board.The magnetic permeability sensor 100 is attached to the developingdevice 212 with the detection face thereof facing the planar sensormounting portion 212 a. As shown in FIG. 18, the casing of thedeveloping device 212 is shaped to conform to the shapes of theconveying screws 212 b and 212 c, and a portion including the sensormounting portion 212 a is arcuate in cross section to conform to thecircular cross-sectional shape of the conveying screw 212 b.

Since a part of the arcuate casing is made planar into the sensormounting portion 212 a, the distance from the coil pattern 101 of themagnetic permeability sensor 100 attached to the sensor mounting portion212 a to the developer transit portion inside the developing device 212is reduced, and the range of action of the magnetic flux can be directedtoward the developer transit portion. With this configuration, themagnetic permeability sensor 100 attached to the sensor mounting portion212 a can detect the density of developer (magnetic permeability) insidethe developer transit portion more preferably.

Generally, developer used in electrophotographic image formingapparatuses having such a configuration is a mixture of toner andcarrier. To develop electrostatic latent images formed on thephotoreceptor drum 209, the density of toner included in developer iskept at a predetermined value or higher. Since the density of tonerchanges as the electrostatic latent images are developed, it isnecessary to detect the density of toner inside the developing device212. In the present embodiment, as the density of toner inside thedeveloping device 212 changes, the magnetic permeability inside therange of action of the magnetic flux exerted by the coil pattern 101changes. The density of toner included in developer in the developingdevice 212 can be detected by detecting the change by the magneticpermeability sensor 100.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the density of toner insidethe developing device 212 can be detected by the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100.

[Variations]

The description above concerns the magnetic permeability sensor 100 thatdetects the magnetic permeability in the range of action of the magneticflux using the planer coil pattern 101. By contrast, assuming that themagnetic permeability in the range of action of the magnetic fluxexerted by the coil pattern 101 is constant, it can be deemed thatfluctuations in the oscillation frequency of the circuit shown in FIG. 3is caused by temperature change described with reference to FIGS. 12Athrough 12D.

Accordingly, the above-described magnetic permeability sensor 100 can beused as a temperature detector as well. In this case, the temperaturecharacteristics described with reference to FIGS. 12A through 12Dpreferably have a tendency of simple rise or simple descent in the rangeof detection temperature. With this configuration, temperature of theportion where the sensor is mounted can be detected with simplecalculation based on the oscillation frequency. From this point of viewas well, it is useful when the temperature characteristics of theoscillation frequency of the circuit are adjustable by adjusting theadjusting resistor 102 that is a planar resistor to adjust theresistance.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment described below concerns protection of a planar coiland a planar, serpentine) resistor provided on a board, in a magneticpermeability sensor employing an LC oscillator circuit including theplanar coil and the planar, resistor. It is to be noted that, the thirdembodiment is described using as an example a case in which the magneticpermeability sensor is provided to a developing device of anelectrophotographic image forming apparatus using two-componentdeveloper including magnetic carrier particles and toner particles(i.e., nonmagnetic developer) and used as a toner density detector todetect the density of toner of the two-component developer inside thedeveloping device.

As described in the second embodiment above, image forming apparatusesusing two-component developer typically include a toner density detectorto detect the density of toner inside a container. Toner densitydetectors employing the above-described LC oscillator circuit includingthe coil detect the magnetic permeability inside the container opposedto the coil formation face, based on the frequency of signals outputfrom the LC oscillator circuit, thereby detecting the density of tonerinside the container. In other words, the toner density detectoremploying the LC oscillator circuit including the coil detects, viachanges in inductance of the coil, changes in the magnetic permeabilityresulting from changes in the density of toner inside the container dueto the consumption of toner in image formation.

Accordingly, it is required that the coil formation face is attached toa portion opposed to the container to enable the toner density detectoremploying the LC oscillator circuit including the coil to exert itscapability.

In repair and reuse of the above-described toner density detector,generally tapered tools such as precision screwdrivers and slottedscrewdrivers are used. Users or operators insert the end of the taperedtool into clearance between a mounting face of the container and thetoner density detector to remove the toner density detector from thecontainer.

This removal work demands care not to damage the coil with the tool suchas precision screwdrivers. Since the toner density detector detects thedensity of toner inside the container via the inductance of the coil,the density of toner is not accurately detected if the coil is damaged.

However, the toner density detector is attached to the container withthe coil formation face opposed to the container as described above, andit is difficult for the operator to accurately recognize the position ofthe coil. Accordingly, there is a risk that the operator unintentionallydamages the coil during the removal work.

Additionally, after manufacturing, the toner density detector is storedor transported independently with the coil exposed, and there is therisk of damage to the coil also at that time.

It is to be noted that the above-described risk arises, not only in thetoner density detector, also in other magnetic permeability detectorsthat include an LC oscillator circuit including a coil constructed of aplanar pattern provided on a board to detect magnetic permeabilityinside a predetermined space opposed to the coil formation face, basedon the frequency of signals output from the LC oscillator circuit inresponse to the magnetic permeability inside the predetermined space.

In view of the foregoing, descriptions are given below of configurationsto protect the coil in such magnetic permeability detectors.

Attachment of a magnetic permeability sensor to the developing device212 according to the present embodiment is described below withreference to FIGS. 21 through 24. It is to be noted that the magneticpermeability sensor 100 according to the first embodiment can be usedpreferably in the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor 100 from thedetection face thereof. FIG. 22 illustrates the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 as viewed in a direction horizontal to the detection face andperpendicular to the direction in which the coil pattern 101 and theadjusting resistor 102 are serially connected. That is, FIG. 22illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor 100 as viewed in thedirection indicated by arrow Y1 shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 illustrates the magnetic permeability sensor 100 as viewed fromthe detection face thereof in a state in which the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 is attached to the developing device 212. FIG. 24 illustratesthe magnetic permeability sensor 100 being attached to the developingdevice 212, as viewed in the direction horizontal to the detection faceand perpendicular to the direction of serial connection of the coilpattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102. That is, FIG. 24 illustratesthe magnetic permeability sensor 100 as viewed in the directionindicated by arrow Y1 shown in FIG. 23.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the magnetic permeability sensor 100according to the present embodiment includes an adhesive layer 109extending over the detection face substantially entirely, but aclearance is left around the adhesive layer 109. The adhesive layer 109can be formed of double-sided adhesive tape, glue, or the like.Additionally, an adhesive face of the adhesive layer 109 is covered withfilm 110, such as cellophane or the like, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

In attachment of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 to the developingdevice 212, the operator initially removes the film 110 from theadhesive face of the adhesive layer 109. Subsequently, as shown in FIGS.23 and 24, the operator presses the exposed adhesive face of theadhesive layer 109 against the sensor mounting portion 212 a of thedeveloping device 212. Then, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 isattached to the sensor mounting portion 212 a with adhesion force of theadhesive layer 109. Thus, according to the present embodiment, theoperator can attach the magnetic permeability sensor 100 to thedeveloping device 212 easily.

It is to be noted that a face of the adhesive layer 109 on the side ofthe sensor mounting portion 212 a is referred to as a first face (i.e.,a mount side), and the opposite face of the adhesive layer 109, which isbonded to the magnetic permeability sensor 100, is referred to as secondface (i.e., a sensor side).

Further, as described above, the adhesive layer 109 is provided to thesubstantially entire area of the detection face of the magneticpermeability sensor 100, and the film 110 covers the adhesive layer 109.Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the coil pattern 101 andthe adjusting resistor 102 can be protected during storage and transportof the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

Next, removal of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 is described withreference to FIGS. 23 and 24. As described above, the magneticpermeability sensor 100 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 212 awith adhesion force of the first face of the adhesive layer 109.

To remove the magnetic permeability sensor 100 from the developingdevice 212 for repair or reuse, the operator initially inserts an end ofa removal tool into the clearance at the positions indicated by arrowsY2 in FIGS. 23 and 24, that is, at corners of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100, between the detection face of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 and the sensor mounting portion 212 a. By the thickness ofthe adhesive layer 109 between the detection face of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 and the sensor mounting portion 212 a, theclearance is present adjacent to the adhesive layer 109. The clearanceserve as guides for guiding the removal tool used by the operator. It isto be noted that the removal tool in the present embodiment can be atapered tool such as a precision screwdriver, a slotted screwdriver, andthe like.

Inserting the end of the removal tool, the operator removes the magneticpermeability sensor 100 from the sensor mounting portion 212 a using theprinciple of leverage. Thus, according to the present embodiment, theoperator can remove the magnetic permeability sensor 100 from thedeveloping device 212 easily.

Additionally, the clearances at the corners created by the thickness ofthe adhesive layer 109 between the detection face of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 and the sensor mounting portion 212 a can serveas the guides as described above. Accordingly, even if the operator doesnot accurately recognize the positions of the coil pattern 101 and theadjusting resistor 102, the operator can avoid the coil pattern 101 andthe adjusting resistor 102, guided by the clearance, when inserting theend of the removal tool. Therefore, this configuration can reduce therisk of damaging the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102with the removal tool during removal. Thus, according to the presentembodiment, the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 can beprotected during removal of the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

Further, if the operator incidentally inserts the removal tool directlyinto the area to which the adhesive layer 109 is bonded, not via theclearance, the elastic force or adhesion force of the adhesive layer 109can prevent the end of the tool from reaching the coil pattern 101 andthe adjusting resistor 102. Therefore, even in such events, thisconfiguration can eliminate or reduce the risk that the operatorunintentionally damages the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor102 with the removal tool during removal. Thus, according to the presentembodiment, even if the operator unintentionally inserts the removaltool into not the clearance but directly the area to which the adhesivelayer 109 is bonded during removal of the magnetic permeability sensor100, the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 can beprotected.

It is to be noted that, although the description above concerns theconfiguration in which the magnetic permeability sensor 100 is attachedto the sensor mounting portion 212 a due to the adhesion force exertedby the adhesive layer 109 extending over the substantially entire areaof the detection face, the adhesive layer 109 may be configuredotherwise as shown in FIGS. 25 through 28.

FIGS. 25 and 27 illustrate the magnetic permeability sensor 100-1 asviewed from the detection face thereof, respectively not attached andbeing attached to the developing device 212. FIGS. 26 and 28 illustratethe magnetic permeability sensor 100-1 as viewed in the directionhorizontal to the detection face and perpendicular to the direction ofserial connection of the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor102, respectively not attached and being attached to the developingdevice 212. That is, FIGS. 26 and 28 illustrate the magneticpermeability sensor 100-1 as viewed in the direction indicated by arrowY1 shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 25 through 28, in the magnetic permeability sensor100-1, the adhesive layer 109 may occupy not the substantially entirearea of the detection face but only an area in which the coil pattern101 and the adjusting resistor 102 are present so that the magneticpermeability sensor 100-1 is attached to the sensor mounting portion 212a due to the adhesion force exerted by the adhesive layer 109.

The configuration shown in FIGS. 25 through 28 can attain effectssimilar to those attained by the configuration shown in FIGS. 21 through24 and is advantageous in that the manufacturing cost is reduced.Covering the area in which the coil pattern 101 and the adjustingresistor 102 are present with the adhesive layer 109 is sufficient forattaining the effects of the present embodiment, that is, eliminating orreducing the risk that the operator unintentionally damages the coilpattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 with the tool during theremoval.

Further, relative adhesion strength of the first and second faces of theadhesive layer 109 is described. In the configurations described abovewith reference FIGS. 23, 24, 27, and 28, the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 or 100-1 (hereinafter collectively “magnetic permeabilitysensor 100”) is attached to the sensor mounting portion 212 a using theadhesion of the adhesive layer 109. At that time, an inconvenience mayarise if the strength of adhesion exerted on the first face of theadhesive layer 109 and the sensor mounting portion 212 a bonded to eachother is similar or greater than the strength of adhesion between thesecond face of the adhesive layer 109 and the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100. That is, in removal of the magnetic permeability sensor 100from the sensor mounting portion 212 a, it is difficult to separate thefirst face of the adhesive layer 109 from the sensor mounting portion212 a, whereas the second face of the adhesive layer 109 is separatedfrom the magnetic permeability sensor 100 more easily.

When the adhesive layer 109 comes off the magnetic permeability sensor100, it is possible that the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor102 are damaged by the adhesion force. This inconvenience can beeliminated by keeping the strength of the adhesion between the firstface of the adhesive layer 109 and the sensor mounting portion 212 asmaller than the strength of the adhesion between second face of theadhesive layer 109 and the magnetic permeability sensor 100, by forexample, embossing, texturing (grain finishing), or frosting of thesurface of the sensor mounting portion 212 a.

Alternatively, the adhesive layer 109 may be constructed of a materialhaving front and back sides different in the strength of adhesion. Inthis case, the stronger adhesion side is bonded to the detection face ofthe magnetic permeability sensor 100, and the weaker adhesion side isbonded to the sensor mounting portion 212 a. Additionally, the adhesivelayer 109 may be constructed of a material that changes in adhesionforce depending on the material of the face to which the adhesive layer109 is bonded, and the material of the adhesive layer 109 may beselected considering the material of the detection face of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 and that of the surface of the sensor mountingportion 212 a.

Fourth Embodiment

As described above with reference FIGS. 23, 24, 27, and 28, in the thirdembodiment, the clearances serving as the guide for guiding the removaltool is created when the magnetic permeability sensor 100 is attached tothe sensor mounting portion 212 a using the adhesion of the adhesivelayer 109.

Accordingly, even if the operator does not accurately recognize thepositions of the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102, theremoval tool used by the operator can be guided away the coil pattern101 and the adjusting resistor 102. Therefore, this configuration canreduce the risk of damaging the coil pattern 101 and the adjustingresistor 102 with the removal tool.

By contrast, in a magnetic permeability sensor 100-2 according to thefourth embodiment, chamfered or recessed portions are provided at oradjacent to corners of the detection face, thereby providing the guideportions to guide the operator not to reach the area where the coilpattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 are present in removal of themagnetic permeability sensor 100-2.

In this case, even if the operator does not accurately recognize thepositions of the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102, theremoval tool used by the operator can be guided not to reach theseelements more reliably. Therefore, this configuration can secureprevention of damage to these elements with the removal tool andprotection thereof during the removal of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100-2.

Descriptions are given in further detail below. It is to be noted thatelements in the fourth embodiment similar to those of the thirdembodiment are given identical or similar reference characters, and thusdescriptions thereof omitted.

FIGS. 29 through 32 illustrate the magnetic permeability sensor 100-2according to the fourth embodiment. FIGS. 29 through 32 respectivelycorrespond to FIGS. 21 through 24 illustrating the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 29 through 32, in the magnetic permeability sensor100-2 according to the present embodiment, guide portions a through f,which are chamfered or recessed, are provided at or adjacent to cornersof an area where the adhesive layer 109 is not provided or an area wherethe coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 are not present.This configuration can reliably guide the operator to the area free fromthe coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 during the removalof the magnetic permeability sensor 100-2.

Accordingly, even if the operator does not accurately recognize thepositions of the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102, theoperator can avoid these elements more reliably in inserting the removaltool. Therefore, this configuration can secure prevention of damage tothese elements by the removal tool and protection thereof during theremoval of the magnetic permeability sensor 100-2.

It is to be noted that the positions of the guide portions a through fare not limited to the descriptions above and shown in FIGS. 29 through32 but can be any position as long as formation of the coil pattern 101and the adjusting resistor 102 and attachment of electronic componentsare not hindered.

Fifth Embodiment

In the fourth embodiment, the chamfered or recessed portions areprovided at or adjacent to the corners of the detection face of themagnetic permeability sensor 100-2, thereby providing the guide portionsto guide the operator (or the removal tool) away the coil pattern 101and the adjusting resistor 102. It is to be noted that, in thedescription below, the magnetic permeability sensor 100-1 or 100-2 issimply referred to as the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

By contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the guide portions are provided tonot the magnetic permeability sensor 100 but the sensor mounting portion212 a. Specifically, chamfered or recessed portions are provided at oradjacent to corners of the sensor mounting portion 212 a. Thisconfiguration can attain effects similar to those attained in theabove-described fourth embodiment.

The fifth embodiment is described in further detail below with referenceto FIG. 33, which is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of thedeveloping device 212 according to the present embodiment.

It is to be noted that elements of the fifth embodiment similar to thoseof the first to third embodiments are given identical or similarreference characters, and thus descriptions thereof omitted. In FIG. 33,the developing device 212 is placed upside down from the posture mountedin the image forming apparatus 200, that is, from the posture of thedeveloping device 212 being used.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 33, the sensor mounting portion 212 aincludes, at or adjacent to a corner thereof, a guide portion 212G thatis chamfered or recessed. That is, a recess is provided in the face ofthe sensor mounting portion 212 a to which the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 is attached. With the developing device 212 thus configured,effects similar to those attained by the fourth embodiment can beattained.

FIG. 34 illustrates a variation of the guide portion of the sensormounting portion 212 a.

In FIG. 34, the developing device 212 may include a guide portion 212Fthat is a recess formed in a wall 212H enclosing the sensor mountingportion 212 a. That is, a part of the wall 212H is cut away. It is to benoted that FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 33 in that the developing device212 is placed upside down from the posture mounted in the image formingapparatus 200, that is, from the posture of the developing device 212being used.

With the developing device 212 thus configured, effects similar to thoseattained by the fourth embodiment can be attained. Additionally, sincethis configuration inhibits the operator from unintentionally insertingin other portions than the cutout, prevention of damage to the coilpattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102 by the removal tool can besecured. It is to be noted that the guide portion 212F that is thecutout shown in FIG. 34 may include a chamfered or recessed portion asshown in FIG. 33.

Further, the positions of the guide portions 212G and 21211 are notlimited to the descriptions above or shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 but can beany position as long as the coil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor102 are not damaged by the removal tool in removal of the magneticpermeability sensor 100.

Thus, according to the third to fifth embodiments, the coil pattern 101and the adjusting resistor 102 can be protected in storage or transportof the magnetic permeability sensor 100 using the LC oscillator circuitincluding these elements.

It is to be noted that the features of the third to fifth embodimentscan adapt to any magnetic permeability detector to detect the magneticpermeability inside the predetermined space opposed to the coilformation face using the LC oscillator circuit including the coilpattern 101 although the descriptions above concern the case in whichthe magnetic permeability sensor is used to detect the density of tonerincluded in two-component developer including magnetic carrier particlesand nonmagnetic toner particles, contained inside the developing device212 of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 200.

Further, although the descriptions above concern the magneticpermeability sensor 100 using the LC oscillator circuit including thecoil pattern 101 and the adjusting resistor 102, the adjusting resistor102 is not a requisite in the third through fifth embodiments, and thefeatures of the third to fifth embodiments can adapt to any magneticpermeability detector including an LC circuit including the coil pattern101.

Yet further, in addition to independently use the third through fifthembodiments, two or all of them may be combined. For example, third andfourth embodiments may be combined. Alternatively, the third and fifthembodiments may be combined. Yet alternatively, the third through fifthembodiments may be combined. The effects described in the third throughfifth embodiments can be attained in these cases as well.

Sixth Embodiment

The output from the magnetic permeability sensor employing the LCoscillator circuit described in the first embodiment and the like is anoscillation signal at the frequency corresponding to the magneticpermeability of the space to be detected.

Accordingly, the magnetic permeability is recognized based on thefrequency of oscillation signals output from the sensor, and it isnecessary to count the number of oscillation signals for a predeterminedperiod.

Therefore, when a processor such as a CPU is used to calculate themagnetic permeability, for example, for detecting the density of tonerin the developing device of the image forming apparatus, the count valueof the counter to count the sensor output is read according to interruptsignals, and the magnetic permeability is calculated based on the valuethus read.

However, if another processing is underway when the processor such asthe CPU accesses the counter according to the interrupt signal, therearises a time lag from the interrupt signal to reading out of thecounter value.

Consequently, an extra signal output from the sensor is counted duringthe time lag, obstructing proper calculation of the frequency.

A conceivable approach to address this convenience is, for example,setting the priority of reading out the count value according to theinterrupt signal highest. However, behavior of the apparatus may becomeunstable since the other control processing is postponed.

In view of the foregoing, the present embodiment concerns aconfiguration to accurately calculate, according to the interruptsignal, the frequency of signals output from the magnetic permeabilitysensor employing the LC oscillator circuit including the planar coilsuch as the one according to the first embodiment.

It is to be noted that, in the description below, elements similar tothose of the first embodiment are given identical or similar referencecharacters, and thus descriptions thereof omitted.

FIG. 35 is a functional block diagram illustrating an input-outputcontrol ASIC 60A in the controller 1 according to the presentembodiment.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 35, the input-output control ASIC 60Aincludes the counter 61, the read signal acquisition unit 62, the countoutput unit 63, and a free-running counter 64.

The magnetic permeability sensor 100 according to the present embodimentis an oscillator circuit that outputs rectangular waves at the frequencycorresponding to the magnetic permeability in a space to be detected.

The counter 61 increments the count value according to the rectangularwave output from the magnetic permeability sensor 100.

That is, the counter 61 serves as a target signal counter to count thenumber of the signals whose frequency is to be calculated.

It is to be noted that multiple magnetic permeability sensors 100 areused in the configuration shown in FIG. 35 and multiple counters 61 areused accordingly.

The free-running counter 64 increments the count value according to thereference clock input from the crystal-oscillator circuit 70.

That is, the free-running counter 64 serves as a reference clock counterto count the number of clocks of the reference clock.

Incorporating the free-running counter 64 is one of distinctive featuresof the present embodiment.

The read signal acquisition unit 62 acquires, via the ASIC 50, a readsignal from the CPU 10. The read signal is a command to acquire thecount value of the counter 61 and that of the free-running counter 64.

Acquiring the read signal from the CPU 10, the read signal acquisitionunit 62 inputs, to the count output unit 63, a signal instructing outputof the count value.

According to the signal input by the read signal acquisition unit 62,the count output unit 63 outputs the count value of the counter 61 andthat of the free-running counter 64.

In other words, the read signal acquisition unit 62 operates inconjunction with the count output unit 63, together serving as a countvalue acquisition unit.

As shown in FIG. 35, the controller 1 includes the timer 11. The timer11 outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 10 each time the count ofreference clock input from the crystal-oscillator circuit 70 reaches apredetermined count. The CPU 10 outputs the read signal in response tothe interrupt signal input from the timer 11.

It is to be noted that the CPU 10 has an access to the input-outputcontrol ASIC 60A, for example, via a register. Accordingly, theabove-described read signal is executed by writing, with the CPU 10, avalue in a predetermined register included in the input-output controlASIC 60A. Additionally, output of the count value from the count outputunit 63 is executed by storing the count value in a predeterminedregister included in the input-output control ASIC 60A and acquiring thecount value with the CPU 10.

The CPU 10 executes computation according to software program forfrequency calculation, thereby constituting a software controller, andthe software controller operates in conjunction with hardware such asthe input-output control ASIC 60A and the like, thus togetherconstituting a frequency calculation device according to the presentembodiment.

As described in the first embodiment, if there are no changes in thedensity of the magnetic material adjacent to the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100, the magnetic permeability sensor 100 oscillates at aconstant frequency basically. Consequently, the count value of thecounter 61 increases constantly with elapse of time as shown in FIG. 4.

Additionally, receiving the interrupt signal from the timer 11, the CPU10 outputs the read signal to the input-output control ASIC 60 andacquires the count value of the counter 61 and that of the free-runningcounter 64 at that time. For example, in FIG. 4, at time points t₁, t₂,t₃, t₄, and t₅, count values aaaah, bbbbh, cccch, ddddh, and AAAAh areacquired respectively.

Acquiring the count values at the respective time points, the CPU 10calculates the frequency in periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ shown in FIG. 4,respectively. The timer 11 in the present embodiment outputs theinterrupt signal when counting the reference clock for an amountequivalent of 2 milliseconds (ms). Accordingly, in principle,oscillation frequency f (Hz) of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 ineach of the periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ can be calculated by dividing thecount values of the counter 61 in the respective periods with 2 (ms).That is, the duration of 2 ms is a frequency calculation interval atwhich the frequency of the oscillation signal output from the magneticpermeability sensor 100 is calculated.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper limit of the count of thecounter 61 is FFFFh in the present embodiment. Accordingly, inprinciple, the oscillation frequency f (Hz) in the period T₄ can becalculated by dividing with 2 (ms) the sum of the AAAAh and a valueobtained by deducting ddddh from FFFFh.

As described in the first embodiment, in the case of FIG. 5, in theinput-output control ASIC 60, the counter 61 resets the count valueafter the count output unit 63 reads out the count value.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the count values acquired at therespective time points are the values counted in the periods T₁, T₂, T₃,and T₄, respectively. Accordingly, the CPU 10 can calculate theoscillation frequency f (Hz) by dividing with 2 (ms) the count valueacquired at each timing.

In contrast to the first embodiment thus configured, in the sixthembodiment, the interval of calculation (for detecting toner density,for example) is not the fixed value (2 ms, for example) but is based onthe counter value of the free-running counter 64.

The inconvenience addressed in the present embodiment is describedbelow.

FIG. 36 is a timing chart illustrating relative timings of softwareprocessing sequence by the CPU 10, the count value of the counter 61,the interrupt signal by the timer 11, and the read signal by the CPU 10.

The CPU 10 executes software processing (jobs A, B, C, D, and D in FIG.36) sequentially in accordance with the operation of the apparatus asshown in FIG. 36. By contrast, when the interrupt signal arises at atime point t_(2ms-1) while the job B is underway, the CPU 10 executes“read” processing at a time point t′_(2ms-1) after the job B iscompleted.

Therefore, a time lag T_(lag) is present from the generation of theinterrupt signal to the start of the read processing. The count value ofthe counter 61 is incremented also during the time lag T_(lag) accordingto the output signal from the magnetic permeability sensor 100. That is,although the count value at the time point t_(2ms-1) should be read outaccording to the interrupt signal, that at the time point t′_(2 ms-1) isread out undesirably.

As a result, the frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 iscalculated with the combination of the unintended count value and thefixed value (2 ms, for example). That is, the frequency calculated isbased on the count value of a period longer than the intended period bythe time lag T_(lag) and improper.

The CPU 10 may be configured to discontinue the underway job B and startthe read processing promptly in response to the interrupt signal.However, the interruption of the job B may result in malfunction of theapparatus. Additionally, the time required for interrupting the jobcauses a time lag.

In view of the foregoing, the controller 1 of the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 according to the present embodiment uses the count value bythe free-running counter 64 in the frequency calculation considering thetime lag T_(lag).

FIG. 37 is a chart for understanding of a principle of determining theoscillation frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 accordingto the present embodiment.

In FIG. 37, graph A represents count values of the counter 61, and graphB represents those of the free-running counter 64.

The count value of the counter 61 is incremented according to thefrequency of the oscillation signal of the magnetic permeability sensor100, and the oscillation signal of the magnetic permeability sensor 100fluctuates depending on the magnetic permeability in the space to bedetected. Accordingly, the graph A of count value of the counter 61 inchronological order is a curved line as shown in FIG. 37. By contrast,the count value of the free-running counter 64 is incremented accordingto the reference clock output from the crystal-oscillator circuit 70,and accordingly the graph B of count value of the free-running counter64 in chronological order is linear as shown in FIG. 37.

The count values of the counter 61 and the free-running counter 64 areread out in response to the interrupt signal at the predeterminedintervals (2 ms, for example).

However, there are cases where the point of time when the CPU 10 readsout the count values is delayed as represented by “read” shown in FIG.37 from the generation of the interrupt signal, depending on theprocessing state of the CPU 10 at the time of the interrupt signal.

By contrast, the CPU 10 according to the present embodiment calculatesthe frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 using the countvalue of the free-running counter 64 that is read at the same time asthe count value of the counter 61. Herein, the frequency f_(i) of themagnetic permeability sensor 100 during the period from the time pointTi−1 to the time point Ti can be calculated using formula 3 below.

$\begin{matrix}{f_{i} = {\frac{( {N_{i} - N_{i - 1}} )}{( {M_{i} - M_{i - 1}} )} \cdot f_{0}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} 3}\end{matrix}$

wherein N_(i) represents the count value of the counter 61, M_(i)represents the count value of the free-running counter 64, and f₀represents the frequency of the reference clock, all at reading out timepoints Ti (i represents a given ordinal number of time point T).

According to the formula 3 above, the count number of the counter 61 forthe period of a single reference clock can be obtained from the ratio ofthe count of the counter 61 (i.e., a magnetic permeability counter) andthat of the free-running counter 64, expressed as (N_(i)−N_(i-1))/M_(i)−M_(i-1)).

By multiplying this value with the frequency f₀ of the reference clock,the count number of the counter 61 per unit time can be obtained.

That value is the frequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100during the target period.

Next, descriptions are given below of calculation of frequency of outputsignals output from the magnetic permeability sensor 100 according tothe present embodiment with reference to FIG. 38.

Referring to FIG. 8, the CPU 10 continues a standard operation until aninterrupt signal is input from the timer 11 (No at S801). When the timer11 counts 2 ms and outputs the interrupt signal (Yes at S801), at S802the CPU 10 sets a flag to disable interruption (hereinafter “interruptdisabling flag”).

Then, interruption of other processing is disabled till completion ofcalculation of frequency of signals output from the magneticpermeability sensor 100.

That is, the CPU 10 serves as an interrupt disabling unit.

After storing various types of count values acquired according to theread signal in a memory such as the random access memory (RAM) at S804,the CPU 10 cancels the interrupt disabling flag at S805.

Storing the count value in the memory, the CPU 10 calculates(N_(i)−N_(i-1)) and (M_(i)-M_(i-1)) in the formula 3, that is,calculates the difference between the previous count value and thecurrent count value of the respective counters at S806. In other words,the CPU 10 calculates the difference in the count values of oscillationsignals acquired sequentially at the frequency calculation intervals.Then, as expressed by formula 3, the frequencies of output signals fromthe respective magnetic permeability sensors 100 are calculated bydividing each of the multiple count values of the counter 61 with thedifference from the count value of the free-running counter 64 andmultiplying them with the reference clock frequency f₀. That is, the CPU10 that executes computation according to a dedicated program serves asa frequency calculator. The controller 1 according to the presentembodiment calculates the frequency by repeating the above-describedprocessing at intervals of 2 ms.

As described above, the controller 1 according to the present embodimentacquires the count value of the oscillation signals of the magneticpermeability sensor 100 in response to the interrupt signal arising atthe predetermined intervals and, simultaneously, acquires the countvalue of the free-running counter 64 incremented at a constantfrequency. Then, the frequency of oscillation signals output by themagnetic permeability sensor 100 is calculated based on not theintervals at which the interrupt signal arises but the durationcorresponding to the count value of the free-running counter 64.

With this processing, even if the time lag is caused from the generationof the interrupt signal to the count value acquisition, the time lagdoes not cause error in the frequency calculation since the count valueof the free-running counter 64 is also incremented at the constantfrequency during the time lag. Thus, according to the sixth embodiment,the frequency of the oscillation signals during the predetermined periodcan be calculated more accurately.

It is to be noted that, in the description above, although thefree-running counter 64 constantly counts the reference clock outputfrom the crystal-oscillator circuit 70, it is an example, and an aspectof the sixth embodiment is to recognize the time lag from when the timer11 generates the interrupt signal to when the count value of the counter61 is acquired in response to the read signal and to consider the timelag in the frequency calculation.

Therefore, it is not necessary that the free-running counter 64 countsthe reference clock constantly. Alternatively, for example, thefree-running counter 64 may start the counting simultaneously with thegeneration of the interrupt signal. In this case, the count value of thecounter 61 acquired in response to the read signal from the CPU 10 isthe number of signals counted in the period that is the sum of theinterrupt generation interval and the time lag, whereas the count valueof the free-running counter 64 is the number of signals counted in thelime lag from the generation of interrupt to the read processing.

In this case, the frequency f_(i) of the signals output from themagnetic permeability sensor 100 can be calculated using formula 4below, wherein T represents the interrupt generation interval and M′_(i)represents the count value of the free-running counter 64.

$\begin{matrix}{f_{i} = \frac{( {N_{i} - N_{i - 1}} )}{T + ( {M_{i}^{\prime}/f_{0}} )}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} 4}\end{matrix}$

Additionally, the description above is based on an example in which, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 4, the counter 61 accumulatively countsthe number of signals output from the magnetic permeability sensor 100and an example in which the difference from the previously acquiredcount value is calculated at S806 in FIG. 38 accordingly. However, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 5, the count value may be reset eachtime the count value is read out in response to the read signal.

In this case, since the count value acquired in response to each readsignal is the value of counting started at the previous read processing,it is not necessary to calculate the difference from the previouslyacquired count value, which is the step at S806 in FIG. 38, andfrequency f_(i) of the signals output from the magnetic permeabilitysensor 100 can be calculated using formula 5 below.

$\begin{matrix}{f_{i} = {\frac{N_{i}}{M_{i}} \cdot f_{0}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} 5}\end{matrix}$

Additionally, the description above is an example in which thefree-running counter 64 is provided inside the input-output control ASIC60A and the count output unit 63 acquires the count value of thefree-running counter 64 at the same time as the acquisition of the countvalue of the counter 61. With this configuration, the read timing of thecounter 61 and that of the free-running counter 64 can be identical, andthe frequency of signals output from the magnetic permeability sensor100 can be calculated more accurately.

However, it is an example, and a role of the free-running counter 64 isto recognize the time lag from the generation of the interrupt signal towhen the count value is practically read out. Accordingly, the counter64 may be provided outside the input-output control ASIC 60A as long asthe count value can be read out simultaneously with the timing at whichthe count value of the counter 61 is acquired.

In this case, the CPU 10 outputs a read signal to the free-runningcounter 64 separately from the read signal to the input-output controlASIC 60A. In this operation, it is preferred that the CPU 10simultaneously output the read signal to the free-running counter 64 andthat to the input-output control ASIC 60A. With this operation, theduration of counting by the counter 61 and that by the free-runningcounter 64 can be equivalent.

Seventh Embodiment

The sixth embodiment is described using an example in which the CPU 10outputs the read signal in response to the interrupt signal output fromthe timer 11, and the count values of the counter 61 and thefree-running counter 64 are acquired. By contrast, FIG. 39 illustratesan input-output control ASIC 60B that includes a latch circuit 65 tolatch the count value of the counter 61 in response to the interruptsignal output from the timer 11. This configuration can obviate thenecessity of including the free-running counter 64 described above sincethe count value latched by the latch circuit 65 is the count value atthe timing of the interrupt signal output from the timer 11. Thus, thelatch circuit 65 can serve as a latch unit.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 39, the CPU 10 outputs the readsignal in response to the interrupt signal output by the timer 11 andacquires the count value latched by the latch circuit 65. The frequencyof signals output from the magnetic permeability sensor 100 can becalculated by dividing the count value thus obtained with the intervalat which the interrupt signal is generated.

However, such a configuration is on the premise that the interval atwhich the interrupt signal is generated is determined accurate. Bycontrast, FIG. 40 illustrates an input-output control ASIC 60C thatincludes, in addition to the free-running counter 64 to count the numberof signals output from the crystal-oscillator circuit 70, the latchcircuit 65 to latch the count value of the counter 61 and that of thefree-running counter 64 in response to the interrupt signal output fromthe timer 11.

With the configuration shown in FIG. 40, even if the interval at whichthe interrupt signal is generated by the timer 11 fluctuates, thefrequency of the magnetic permeability sensor 100 can be calculatedproperly since the calculation is based on the interval at which thecount value is practically read out in response to the read signal.

The present specification further includes the following aspects.

Aspect A: A magnetic permeability detector that outputs a signal havinga frequency corresponding to a magnetic permeability inside apredetermined space and includes a coil (such as the coil pattern 101)constructed of conducting wire shaped in a planar pattern on a board andhas an inductance that changes in accordance with the magneticpermeability inside the predetermined space, a capacitor connected tothe coil to constitute a resonance current loop together with the coil,an output terminal to output a signal according to the potential of apart of the resonance current loop, and a planar resistor (such as theadjusting resistor 102) connected serially with the resonance currentloop and constructed of a serpentine pattern.

Aspect B: In aspect A, an inductance component generated in theresonance current loop is adjusted by changing the number of serpentinefolding of the planar resistor.

Aspect C: In aspect A or B, the coil and the planar resistor are on anidentical face of the board, and other components including thecapacitor are disposed on a different face of the board.

Aspect D: In aspect C, the other components including the capacitor aredisposed outside an area on the back of an area occupied by the coil andthe planar resistor.

Aspect E: In any of aspects A through D, the number of serpentinefolding is adjusted so that temperature of an extreme value in resonancefrequency changes of the resonance current loop corresponding totemperature changes of the location where the magnetic permeabilitysensor is provided matches temperature of an extreme value inoscillation frequency changes, corresponding to temperature changes, ofan oscillator circuit generating a clock to operate a counter to countsignals output from the output terminal.

Aspect F: A developer density detector to detect the density ofdeveloper to develop an electrostatic latent image in an image formingapparatus includes a coil that is a planar pattern disposed on a boardand has an inductance that changes in accordance with the magneticpermeability inside a predetermined space in which developer iscontained, a capacitor connected to the coil to form a resonance currentloop together with the coil, an output terminal to output a signalaccording to the potential of a part of the resonance current loop, anda planar resistor connected serially with the resonance current loop andconstructed of a serpentine pattern, and the developer density detectoris disposed with a planar portion in which the coil is present opposingto the space in which developer is contained.

Aspect G: A developing device to develop an electrostatic latent imagein an image forming apparatus includes a developer container to containdeveloper and a developer density detector to detect the density ofdeveloper in the developer container. The density detector includes acoil that is a planar pattern disposed on a board and has an inductancethat changes in accordance with the density of developer inside thedeveloper container, a capacitor connected to the coil to form aresonance current loop, an output terminal to output a signal accordingto the potential of a part of the resonance current loop, and a planarresistor connected serially with the resonance current loop andconstructed of a serpentine pattern, and the developer density detectoris disposed with a planar portion in which the coil is present opposingto the developer container.

Aspect H: An image forming apparatus to develop an electrostatic latentimage formed on a photoreceptor includes a developer container tocontain developer and a developer density detector to detect the densityof developer in the developer container. The density detector includes acoil that is a planar pattern disposed on a board and has an inductancethat changes in accordance with the density of developer inside thedeveloper container, a capacitor connected to the coil to form aresonance current loop, an output terminal to output a signal accordingto the potential of a part of the resonance current loop, and a planarresistor connected serially with the resonance current loop andconstructed of a serpentine pattern, and the developer density detectoris disposed with a planar portion in which the coil is present opposingto the developer container.

Aspect I: A method of detecting the magnetic permeability inside thepredetermined space according to a signal whose frequency changes inaccordance with the magnetic permeability inside the predetermined spaceincludes a step of forming a planar coil pattern on a board with wirewhose inductance changes depending on the magnetic permeability insidethe predetermined space, a step of connecting the coil and a capacitorto form a resonance current loop, a step of connecting a planarserpentine pattern resistor serially with the resonance current loop,and a step of outputting a signal in accordance with potential of a partof the resonance current loop.

Aspect J: A method of detecting the density of developer to develop anelectrostatic latent image in an image forming apparatus includes a stepof forming a planar coil pattern on a board with wire whose inductancechanges depending on the magnetic permeability inside the predeterminedspace, a step of connecting the coil and a capacitor to form a resonancecurrent loop, a step of connecting a planar serpentine pattern resistorserially with the resonance current loop, and a step of outputting asignal in accordance with potential of a part of the resonance currentloop.

Aspect K: Aspect K concerns a magnetic permeability detector thatoutputs a signal having a frequency corresponding to a magneticpermeability inside a predetermined space. The magnetic permeabilitydetector includes a coil constructed of a planar pattern on a board andhas an inductance that changes in accordance with the magneticpermeability inside the predetermined space, a capacitor connected tothe coil to form a resonance current loop together with the coil, anoutput terminal to output a signal according to the potential of a partof the resonance current loop, and an adhesive layer to attach themagnetic permeability detector to a wall of the predetermined space. Theadhesive layer covers an area occupied by the coil on the board, and themagnetic permeability detector is attached to the wall with the coilformation face opposing to the predetermined space.

Aspect L: In aspect K, further provided is a guide portion to guide aremoval tool to apply force to the magnetic permeability detectorattached with adhesion force of the adhesive layer with the coilformation face opposing to the predetermined space to remove themagnetic permeability detector from the wall.

Aspect M: In aspect K or L, further provided is a guide portion to guidea removal tool to apply force to the magnetic permeability detectorattached with adhesion force of the adhesive layer to avoid the areaoccupied by the coil on the board.

Aspect N: In any of aspects K through M, adhesive force between theadhesive layer and the coil formation face is greater than adhesiveforce between the adhesive layer and the wall opposing to the coilformation face.

Aspect O: A developing device to developer an electrostatic latent imagein an image forming apparatus includes a developer container to containdeveloper to develop the electrostatic latent image and a toner densitydetector to detect the density of toner of developer contained in thedeveloper container. The toner density detector includes a coilconstructed of a planar pattern provided on a board and has aninductance that changes in accordance with the magnetic permeabilityinside the predetermined space, a capacitor connected to the coil toform a resonance current loop, an output terminal to output a signalaccording to the potential of a part of the resonance current loop, andan adhesive layer covering an area occupied by the coil on the board toattach the toner density detector to a wall of the predetermined spacewith the coil formation face opposing to the predetermined space.

Aspect P: In aspect O, further provided is a guide portion to guide aremoval tool to apply force to the toner density detector attached withadhesion force of the adhesive layer with the coil formation faceopposing to the predetermined space to remove the toner density detectorfrom the wall.

Aspect Q: In the developing device according to aspect O or P, furtherprovided is a guide portion to guide a removal tool to apply force tothe toner density detector attached with adhesion force of the adhesivelayer to avoid the area occupied by the coil on the board.

Aspect R: In the developing device according to any of aspects O throughQ, adhesive force between the adhesive layer and the coil formation faceis greater than adhesive force between the adhesive layer and the wallopposing to the coil formation face.

Aspect S: In the developing device according to any of aspects O throughR, the developer container is further provided with a guide portion toguide a removal tool to apply force to the toner density detectorattached with adhesion force of the adhesive layer with the coilformation face opposing to the predetermined space to remove the tonerdensity detector from the wall.

Aspect T: In the developing device according to any of aspects O throughS, the developer container is further provided with a guide portion toguide a removal tool to apply force to the toner density detectorattached with adhesion force of the adhesive layer to avoid the areaoccupied by the coil on the board.

Aspect U: A frequency calculation device to calculate the frequency ofoscillation signals includes a target signal counter to count the numberof the oscillation signals, a reference clock counter to count the clocknumber of the reference clock, a count value acquisition unit to acquirethe count value of the oscillation signals and that of the referenceclock in response to an interrupt signal generated at an interval thatis a frequency calculation interval between which the frequency of theoscillation signals is calculated, and a frequency calculator torecognize the frequency calculation interval based on the count value ofthe reference clock and calculate the frequency of the oscillationsignal during the recognized frequency calculation interval using thecount value of the oscillation signals.

Aspect V: In the aspect U, the reference clock counter counts the clocknumber of the reference clock regardless of generation of the interruptsignal, and the frequency calculator calculates the frequency of theoscillation signal based on a ratio between the count value of theoscillation signal and that of the reference clock.

Aspect W: In aspect U or V, the frequency calculator acquires the countvalue of the oscillation signals during the recognized frequencycalculation interval by calculating the difference in the count valuesof oscillation signals acquired sequentially at the frequencycalculation interval, and then calculates the frequency of theoscillation signals.

Aspect X: In aspect U or V, the count value generated by the targetsignal counter is reset each time the count value of the oscillationsignals is acquired in response to the interrupt signal, and thefrequency calculator acquires the count value of the oscillation signalsin response to the interrupt signal as the count value of theoscillation signals during the frequency calculation interval and thencalculates the frequency of the oscillation signals.

Aspect Y: In any of aspects U through X, further provided is aninterrupt disabling unit to disable any processing triggered by anotherinterrupt signal during a period from generation of the interrupt signalgenerated at the frequency calculation interval to acquisitioncompletion of the count value of the oscillation signals and that of thereference clock.

Aspect Z: In any of aspects U through X, further provided is a latchunit to latch, in response to the interrupt signal generated at thefrequency calculation intervals, the count value generated by the targetsignal counter and that generated by the reference clock counter, andthe count value acquisition unit acquires the count values latched bythe latch unit.

Aspect AA: An image forming apparatus to develop an electrostatic latentimage formed on a photoreceptor includes a developer container tocontain developer and a developer density detector to detect the densityof developer in the developer container. The density detector includes asensor to output an oscillation signal having a frequency correspondingto the density of developer in the developer container, a target signalcounter to count the number of the oscillation signals, a referenceclock counter to count the clock number of the reference clock, a countvalue acquisition unit to acquire the count value of the oscillationsignals and that of the reference clock in response to an interruptsignal generated at an interval that is a frequency calculation intervalbetween which the frequency of the oscillation signals is calculated,and a frequency calculator to recognize the frequency calculationinterval based on the count value of the reference clock and calculatethe frequency of the oscillation signal using the count value of theoscillation signals.

Aspect AB: A method to calculate the frequency of oscillation signalsincludes a step of acquiring the count value of the oscillation signalsand that of the reference clock in response to an interrupt signalgenerated at an interval that is a frequency calculation intervalbetween which the frequency of the oscillation signals is calculated, astep of recognizing the frequency calculation interval based on thecount value of the reference clock, and a step of calculating thefrequency of the oscillation signal during the recognized frequencycalculation interval using the count value of the oscillation signals.

Numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, withinthe scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this patentspecification may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A developing device comprising: a developercontainer to contain a developer; a developer density detector to detecta density of the developer in the developer container, the developerdensity detector being attached to the developer container by anadhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer covers at least a detectingportion of the developer density detector; and an open portion toreceive a tool to apply force to the developer density detector toremove the developer density detector.
 2. The developing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the developer density detector includes, aboard, and a coil provided on the board.
 3. The developing deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the coil is planar and includes conductingwire printed on the board.
 4. The developing device according to claim2, wherein the developer density detector further comprises: a capacitorprovided on the board, and a resistor which is planar and includesconducting wire printed on the board.
 5. The developing device accordingto claim 1, wherein the open portion is provided on the developercontainer of the developing device.
 6. The developing device accordingto claim 1, wherein the open portion is provided on the developerdensity detector.
 7. The developing device according to claim 2, whereinthe open portion is provided on the board of the developer densitydetector.
 8. The developing device according to claim 7, wherein thetool avoids contact with the coil when the open portion receives thetool.
 9. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein theadhesive layer has an area smaller than an area of the developer densitydetector, and the open portion is a clearance adjacent to the adhesivelayer and a width of the open portion corresponds to a thickness of theadhesive layer.
 10. The developing device according to claim 3, whereinan area of the adhesive layer that covers at least the coil is smallerthan an area of the developer density detector, and the open portion isa clearance adjacent to the adhesive layer and a width of the openportion corresponds to a thickness of the adhesive layer, the clearancebeing formed spaced apart from the coil from a plan view.
 11. Thedeveloping device according to claim 1, wherein the developer densitydetector is a magnetic permeability detector that includes a coil, andthe magnetic permeability detector is attached to the developing deviceso that a magnetic flux perpendicularly passing through a surface of thecoil acts on the developer container.
 12. The developing deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein the magnetic permeability detector isattached to the developing device so that a longitudinal direction ofthe developer density detector corresponds to a longitudinal directionof the developer container.
 13. The developing device according to claim12, wherein the magnetic permeability detector is attached to thedeveloping device so that the coil of the magnetic permeability detectoris disposed closer to one side of the developer container in thelongitudinal direction of the developer container.
 14. The developingdevice according to claim 12, wherein the magnetic permeability detectorfurther includes an output terminal to output a signal having afrequency corresponding to a magnetic permeability in a range of actionof the magnetic flux, and the output terminal is disposed on a sideopposite to a side on which the coil is disposed in the longitudinaldirection of magnetic permeability detector.
 15. The developing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein a strength of adhesive force exerted bythe adhesive layer on the developer density detector is greater than astrength of adhesive force exerted by the adhesive layer on thedeveloper container.
 16. The developing device according to claim 1,wherein the developer density detector is attached to the developingdevice so that a longitudinal direction of the developer densitydetector corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the developercontainer.
 17. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image bearer onwhich an electrostatic latent image is formed; the developing deviceaccording to claim
 1. 18. The developing device according to claim 9,wherein the open portion is formed between a board of the developerdensity detector and an outer surface of the developer container.
 19. Adevice comprising: a container to contain a powder made from a magneticmaterial; a detector to detect the powder in the container, the detectorbeing attached to the container by an adhesive layer, wherein theadhesive layer covers at least a detecting portion of the detector; andan open portion to receive a tool to apply force to the detector toremove the detector.